GENEVA, Switzerland – Cargill is partnering with four NGOs to advance sustainability initiatives and increase accountability across the ocean shipping industry. By aligning with the Global Maritime Forum, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, the North American Environment Protection Association and the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, the company is aiming to spearhead industry-wide progress toward safer and more efficient international shipping.
“The maritime industry must be bold, ambitious and progressive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and marine pollution,” said Jan Dieleman, president of Cargill’s ocean transportation business. “We are taking on these significant challenges with our partners, while also focusing on shorter-term efficiency targets to ensure shipping continues to be one of the most sustainable and cost-effective methods of international transportation for most goods.”
Cargill is committed to using its global reach within the agriculture, food and nutrition sector to help achieve the United Nations Global Compact’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by supporting a voluntary initiative to implement universal sustainability principles.
“These partnerships signify Cargill’s long-term commitment to sustainable ocean transportation,” said Anda Cristescu, operations director and sustainability lead for Cargill’s ocean transportation business. “By bringing together businesses, NGOs, regulators, governments, suppliers and leaders in sustainability and marine environment protection, we can make considerable progress toward sustainability targets and advance the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals around climate change, biodiversity, inclusion and diversity and ethical business conduct in the shipping industry.”
Four Strategic Partnerships Focused on Ocean Sustainability
The four agreements connect Cargill with organizations leading sustainability efforts across the international shipping industry, including:
The Global Maritime Forum
This newly formed organization that annually convenes leaders from across the maritime community to deliver long-term impact and sustainable change. Cargill signed an agreement to become an official partner of the Global Maritime Forum on January 10, 2018.
“The Global Maritime Forum is founded on the notion that the maritime industry is uniquely positioned to contribute to positive change not only within the industry but to society as well,” said Johannah Christensen, managing director, head of projects and programmes with the Global Maritime Forum. “Together with Cargill and other leading stakeholders in the industry, we are committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human well-being.”
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA)
As a marine industry-led organization, NAMEPA focuses on the protection of the marine environment. Cargill became an official partner on January 10, 2018.
“NAMEPA is privileged to welcome its new member, Cargill, a global company dedicated to sustainable development goals,” said Carleen Lyden Walker, co-founder, executive director and IMO ambassador. “Cargill joins our members with a shared commitment to stewardship and sea protection through corporate social responsibility, including public education on the marine industry, protecting the marine environment and advocating for stronger industry practices.”
The Maritime Anti-Corruption Network
Established in 2011 by a small group of committed maritime companies, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network is a global business network working towards the vision of a maritime industry free of corruption. It has become one of the pre-eminent examples of collective action to tackle corruption. Cargill joined the network on January 26, 2018.
“Our members’ commitment to tackle this issue is the key to success,” said Cecilia Müller Torbrand, program director for MACN. “We are proud to have Cargill and other leading players in maritime transportation as members of MACN.”
The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA)
A networking organization for women at a management level in the maritime industry, WISTA serves as a connector for its network of over 3,000 female maritime professionals in more than 40 countries by providing access to global and regional networking, conferences as well as business and skill building coaching opportunities. Cargill formally partnered with the Association in both Singapore and Geneva in December 2017 and January 2018 respectively.
“The Swiss Chapter of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) is honored to partner with Cargill to promote the professional development and learning of women within the freight, logistics and trading businesses,” said Yasmina Rauber, president, WISTA Switzerland. “WISTA Switzerland looks forward to a strong and flourishing collaboration with Cargill.”
